Hayat: The Restaurant that brought the Middle East to Montreal

A Trip to the Middle East

in Montreal

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Hi food lovers!

Design Hunger celebrates the rare and beautiful intersection of two worlds: food and design. It’s not often you encounter a space where culinary artistry and aesthetic innovation coexist seamlessly, but Hayat restaurant on De La Commune Street in Montreal is a shining example of this perfect harmony.

Ivy Studio has reimagined Hayat restaurant, blending Middle Eastern charm with Montreal’s historic character. Inspired by the earthy tones of the Syrian deserts and surrounding greenery, the design creates a seamless harmony between natural beauty and urban heritage.

The interior is a visual journey, with sinuous ceiling lines echoing Syrian landscapes and guiding diners through the space. Warm cream walls set a cosy tone, while the ancient stone façades at the front and rear remain intact, honouring the building’s history.

In the dining area, wooden floors and scattered tables are lit by curved fabric bannisters and sleek beige pendant fixtures. A long banquette lines the walls, with two private booths for larger groups. A walnut and hammered glass partition subtly separates the kitchen, offering teasing glimpses of the culinary action.

The bar provides a more intimate escape with a few stools and a chef’s table. Its teal, cream, and pistachio marble design echoes the natural tones of Middle Eastern landscapes while complementing the historic stone backdrop. Dimmed, bespoke light fixtures create a warm, personal ambiance.

Throughout the restaurant, thoughtfully placed linear lights add a welcoming glow, blending traditional and modern aesthetics. Hayat’s design invites you to linger, capturing the beauty of two worlds in a single unforgettable space.

Hayat is where design and culture converge, creating a dining experience that’s as memorable as it is beautiful.

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